He added: ‘I’ve got to be positive – one door shuts and another one opens.

‘I will be working with Faith and Football and have also had requests to go off and do stuff around the country but couldn’t because of football commitments.

‘God has a plan for my life and I don’t look back with disappointment.’

Mr Birch said: ‘We have made further redundancies, and changed the salary and working hours of other staff. We have also been speaking to the players about our plans to reduce the squad wage bill, which will involve transfers and salary reductions.

‘These are difficult decisions for everyone involved and we have not taken them lightly.

‘With no further home games left this season and with relegation from the Championship confirmed, the club has no choice but to further cut its cost base. It is important to stress that the move is in no way a reflection of the performance of anyone affected.

‘We are committed to finding a long-term solution to the club’s problems and are working hard to achieve this aim.’